2008 Mercedes Benz M Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 16, 2012 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other M Class years
Not enough data 9th of 11 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2008 Mercedes Benz M Class. That ranks 9th out of 11 M Class model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 46,600 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Mercedes Benz M Class
MERCEDES-BENZ ML (W166) China. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2008 Mercedes Benz M Class problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering1 · ~46,600 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering1100%46,600——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2008 Mercedes Benz M Class recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Steering:hydraulic power assist systemDec 19, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V682000 · 577 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling 577 my 2008 gl-class, m-class, and r-class vehicles. A defect may exist in the driving pin used to control the oil pressure of the power steering.

Risk: If a defective driving pin exists in a vehicle and the pin breaks during normal vehicle turning, the normally available hydraulic support function will no longer function and steering wheel operation will be limited.

Fix: Mercedes-benz will replace the steering gears. The recall began on january 28, 2009. Owner may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Electrical systemJul 7, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · 404 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.

Fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The power steering rack developed a leak causing the oil pressure to the unit to fail resulting in loss of power steering function. This vehicle dose not have a warning system to alert the driver of this type of failure. A previous safety recall was issued january 2009 (safety recall #2008-120011)…

Steering · received May 16, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10458718

Other Mercedes Benz M Class years

← 2007 M Class · 2009 M Class →

See all Mercedes Benz M Class problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes Benz M Class?

Owners most often report steering problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Mercedes Benz M Class?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2008 Mercedes Benz M Class a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other M Class model years, the 2008 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.